Perceptions of healthcare professionals on optimal delivery of noninvasive ventilation care to people living with motor neuron disease

Background: Patients with motor neuron disease (MND) often do not experience the full survival and quality of life benefits of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Successful delivery of NIV is challenging to multiple healthcare professionals involved in the respiratory care patient journey and considering their perspectives is crucial in order to understand how to deliver optimal care.

Objective: To identify the factors that influence NIV delivery in MND from a healthcare professional perspective and understand how obstacles can be overcome to optimize care.

Methods: Qualitative focus group discussions with healthcare professionals delivering respiratory care and support to MND patients in the UK and charity representatives.

Results: Thirty healthcare professionals and three charity representatives participated in five focus groups. A range of factors that influence the delivery of NIV across the entire respiratory care pathway were identified. These were grouped under four main themes: multidisciplinary working; NIV service structure; professional further education and training; and good use of NIV and effective ventilation.

Conclusions: There is a need for specific resources to support service delivery; frequent, funded, and structured training to support healthcare professionals to deliver good care; as well as ways to encourage optimal staff practice so patients get the best care.